Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK officially welcomed the Commonwealth Games Baton to the Isle of Man on Friday 16 May 2014.

Mr Bell was at Ronaldsway Airport to receive the baton as it arrives via Manchester following a four-day tour of the Channel Islands.

The baton, which contains a special message from the Queen to be read out at the opening ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 23 July, will then be taken to the Old House of Keys in Castletown before travelling to Douglas by steam train.

During a busy three-day itinerary, the baton will also make a guest appearance on BBC’s ‘The One Show’, as well as featuring at the Manx Youth Games on Saturday.

The Isle of Man is one of 70 countries to host the baton during a 248-day journey covering more than 100,000 miles.

The Chief Minister said: ‘Having the baton in the Isle of Man is a reminder that we are part of the wider family of Commonwealth nations. With the recent announcement of the Isle of Man team, there is a real sense of anticipation ahead of this summer’s event. We have an impressive record at the Commonwealth Games and now that direct flights have been restored between the Isle of Man and Glasgow, I’m sure many people will travel to Scotland to support our athletes.’